Shudder, AMC Networks' premium streaming service for horror, thrillers and the supernatural, has announced the acquisition of Simone Scafdi's DARIO ARGENTO PANICO, a documentary retrospective and personal portrait of the Italian giallo master featuring exclusive interviews with Argento himself, and additional acclaimed directors including Guillermo del Toro, Gaspar Noé, and Nicolas Winding Refn. The rights will cover the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, with plans to release the film on Shudder on February 2, 2024, following its World Premiere at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.
DARIO ARGENTO PANICO creates a detailed journey through the life and legacy of the legendary Italian filmmakers, revealing his profound impact on horror and his lasting influence on cinema. In the secluded ambiance of hotel rooms, Dario Argento crafted his nightmares. Now, he finds himself in a hotel room to return to the very setting that ignited his creative fervor to conclude his latest script and participate in an intimate interview, all while being followed by a film crew documenting his life for a movie about his illustrious career.
In advance of the Shudder release, the IFC Center in New York will present a theatrical retrospective of Argento’s films from January 31 - February 8. Entitled “Panic Attacks: The Films of Dario Argento,” the program will feature a sneak preview and the US premiere of DARIO ARGENTO PANICO plus screenings of SUSPIRIA, INFERNO, DEEP RED and TENEBRAE, among other classics from the horror master.
"We are so proud that Shudder, the most prestigious international platform dedicated to genre cinema, has chosen the documentary DARIO ARGENTO PANICO,” said producer Giada Mazzoleni, “In doing so, Shudder not only celebrates the cinema of the greatest living Italian director, but also recognizes his merit in having forever changed the way of making cinema worldwide. This is thanks to his imaginative cities and directing of actors in scenes that have contributed to defining the highest and noblest level of fear on the big screen: that of panic.”
VP of Programming at Shudder Samuel Zimmerman commented, “Following our release of DARK GLASSES, Shudder is once again privileged to partner with icon of the genre, Dario Argento. To call Mr. Argento influential would understate it. His pioneering work in horror and giallo is as indelible as it is frightening, creating images that live forever in the eyes and minds of audiences and artists across the globe. PANICO digs deep to craft an intimate portrait of the master, eye-opening to admirers and newcomers alike.”
DARIO ARGENTO PANICO is produced by Giada Mazzoleni and executive produced by Manlio Gomarasca. The deal for the film was negotiated by Giada Mazzoleni and Sam Zimmerman on behalf Shudder.
ABOUT SHUDDER
AMC Networks’ Shudder is a premium streaming video service, super-serving members with the best selection in genre entertainment, covering horror, thrillers and the supernatural. Shudder’s expanding library of film, TV series, and Original Content is available on most streaming devices in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Over the last few years, Shudder has introduced audiences to groundbreaking and critically acclaimed films including Rob Savage’s HOST, Jayro Bustamante’s LA LLORONA, Phil Tippett’s MAD GOD, Coralie Fargeat’s REVENGE, Joko Anwar’s SATAN’S SLAVES, Josh Ruben’s SCARE ME, Kyle Edward Ball’s SKINAMARINK, Christian Tafdrup’s SPEAK NO EVIL, Chloe Okuno’s WATCHER, Demián Rugna‘s WHEN EVIL LURKS, and the latest in the V/H/S film anthology franchise, as well as the fan favorite TV series THE BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA, Greg Nicotero’s CREEPSHOW, and THE LAST DRIVE-IN WITH JOE BOB BRIGGS.